Lady Spikers escape NU in five, completing an eliminations sweep to advance to the Finals

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers (14–0) outlasted National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs (9–4) in a grueling five-set match this afternoon at SM Mall of Asia Arena, emerging victorious, 27–25, 15–25, 23–25, 25–23, 15–13. In a match filled with momentum swings, clutch plays, and intense net exchanges, the Lady Spikers held their nerve in the deciding set to secure the hard-fought win.

Shane Reterta was named Player of the Game after a standout all-around performance, finishing with 21 points, 18 receptions, and 15 digs. Her steady presence on both offense and defense proved crucial in keeping the Lady Spikers composed during the tight exchanges, especially in the closing stretches of the five-set thriller.

The opening set saw a tight back-and-forth contest, with both teams trading blows through powerful attacks and crucial net defense. The Lady Spikers established an early presence at the net with solid blocking, but the Lady Bulldogs quickly answered behind the aggressive offense of Arah Panique, who delivered multiple cross-court attacks to keep the score close. Errors began to factor in for both sides, as Angel Canino’s miscue at the net handed NU a point, followed by service and attack errors from the Lady Bulldogs. Still, NU stayed within striking distance, highlighted by Chamy Maaya’s explosive spikes that energized the offense. DLSU leaned on its defensive system, with Lilay Del Castillo and Shane Reterta stepping up through a monster block and a solo block, respectively. The Lady Spikers also showcased strong teamwork at the net, with Shevana Laput and Eshana Nunag combining for a well-timed block to disrupt NU’s rhythm.

Momentum swung back and forth midway through the set. Sam Cantada sparked NU with a powerful spike and a clever drop ball, while Canino answered with a mix of back-row attacks and a thunderous cross-court hit. Reterta then delivered consecutive points off sharp attacks to push DLSU ahead. Late in the set, NU refused to back down. Maaya continued to produce, while a crucial block by Maaya and Camilla Lamina denied DLSU at set point. Harlyn Serneche then delivered a service ace to extend the set. Despite the late surge, DLSU kept its composure. After a brief exchange of service errors, Laput found the line, and Canino sealed the deal with a powerful spike as the Lady Spikers edged out a thrilling first set victory, 27–25.

DLSU came out strong in the second set, grabbing the early advantage. The Lady Spikers gained early momentum behind Reterta’s service ace and a powerful spike from Amie Provido. However, NU quickly responded, with Vange Alinsug leading the charge through well-placed attacks, supported by Arah Panique and Sam Cantada to shift momentum in their favor. The Lady Bulldogs built separation as Maaya and Alexa Mata delivered crucial points, combining power and precision to keep the Lady Spikers on the defensive. Panique also made her presence felt at the net with a monster block, while NU capitalized on several attack errors from DLSU.

Midway through the set, the Lady Bulldogs took control with a commanding 16–7 lead and never looked back. Although Angel Canino and Reterta managed to score key points to keep DLSU within reach, NU’s offense remained steady, with Panique, Alinsug, and Maaya continuing to produce. In the closing stretch, Cantada sealed the set with a strong spike, as NU dominated to level the match at one set apiece, 15–25.

Coming into the third set, DLSU started strong, with Reterta leading the charge through early points and back-to-back service aces, while Del Castillo anchored the net with a monster block. NU quickly responded behind Panique and Alinsug, who delivered consistent attacks to keep the set tight. Both teams traded momentum, with Laput and Canino providing crucial points for DLSU, while Alinsug and Maaya kept NU within striking distance through a mix of power hits and smart placement. The set remained close, reaching a deadlock at 13-all and later at 16-all as neither side could pull away. In the latter stretch, the Lady Spikers leaned on their blocking, with Del Castillo and the rest of the front line stepping up to regain a slight edge. However, the Lady Bulldogs answered with timely hits from Cantada and Mata to stay level at 22-all. NU eventually took control in the closing moments, capitalizing on key errors from DLSU. A service ace from Serneche, followed by another point from Alinsug, sealed the set as the Lady Bulldogs edged out a 25–23 win.

NU struck first in the fourth set behind Cantada’s powerful spike, but DLSU quickly answered with strong attacks from Laput and Canino. The early exchanges remained tight, with both teams trading points through a mix of spikes and errors. DLSU found rhythm midway, with Provido and Reterta delivering key hits, complemented by timely blocks at the net. NU, however, stayed within reach as Maaya, Alinsug, and Celine Marsh combined for steady scoring, eventually tying the set at 16-all and again at 18-all. The closing stretch turned into a fierce battle, with Cantada and Marsh keeping NU alive, while DLSU leaned on their blocking and clutch offense. Despite a brief setback from errors, the Lady Spikers regained composure behind a crucial spike from Provido and a monster block to retake the lead. Reyes then delivered a pivotal service ace to bring DLSU to set point. On the next play, Cantada’s attack went outside, sealing a hard-fought 25–23 win for DLSU to force a deciding fifth set.

The deciding set opened with DLSU taking early control behind Laput’s strong attack and a service ace from Reterta. NU quickly answered, as Panique and Alinsug stepped up at the net with crucial blocks to swing the momentum. Both teams went point-for-point, with Cantada and Maaya delivering key plays for NU, while Canino, Laput, and Provido kept DLSU within reach. The set remained tight, reaching a 7-all deadlock and continuing as a back-and-forth battle. In the latter stretch, neither side could pull away, with the score tied at 11 and again at 12. A crucial block from Laput and Provido gave DLSU a slight edge, but NU continued to respond through Panique to keep it level at 13-all. In the closing moments, Laput delivered a clutch spike to put DLSU ahead before a net violation from NU sealed the match. The Lady Spikers secured a hard-fought 15–13 victory in the fifth set to complete the comeback win.

With the victory, the Lady Spikers secured a direct Finals berth, capping the elimination round with an unblemished 14–0 record. Their flawless campaign reflects their grit and consistency as they head into the title series with momentum firmly on their side.

Set Scores: 27–25, 15–25, 23–25, 25–23, 15–13

DLSU (3) — Reterta 21, Laput 16, Canino 15, Provido 15, Del Castillo 7, Santos 1, Caringal 1, Nunag 0, De Guzman 0, De Leon (L) 0, Rodriguez (L) 0

NU (2) — Alinsug 22, Panique 19, Maaya 15, Cantada 14, Mata 7, Marsh 5, Lamina 0, Serneche 0, Pono 0, Jardio (L) 0, Cepada (L) 0